The Slippery Elm tree, 'Ulmus rubra', also know as Red Elm, is medium-sized tree that prefers moist soils. The leaves are large and very rough to the touch. It is distinguishable from other elms by its red, hairy buds and its rough, hairy twigs. The buds are covered with rusty red hairs and the wood is red to dark brown, hence the Latin name rubra, meaning red. The bark is deeply furrowed and brownish red. The inner bark is stringy, and slimy or slippery, hence the common name Slippery elm. It is less susceptible to Dutch elm disease than many elms, and has a different branching pattern. The inner bark was historically used for medicinal purposes. The inner bark is still used in the preparation of some throat lozenges.

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